How to Use NinjaTrader Indicators on TradingView

If you've been using NinjaTrader indicators and want to switch to TradingView, or if you want to use both platforms simultaneously, you've probably wondered how to transfer your favorite tools.

The short answer is: you can't directly use NinjaTrader indicators on TradingView. They're built on completely different programming languages and platform architectures.

But that doesn't mean you're stuck. There are ways to get the same functionality on TradingView, and in some cases, you can even convert indicators from one platform to the other.

Here's everything you need to know about using NinjaTrader indicators on TradingView.

Why NinjaTrader Indicators Don't Work on TradingView

NinjaTrader and TradingView use different programming languages.

NinjaTrader indicators are written in C# using the NinjaScript framework. TradingView indicators are written in Pine Script, which is TradingView's proprietary language.

These two languages are fundamentally different. C# is a full-featured programming language used for many applications. Pine Script is specifically designed for creating trading indicators and strategies within TradingView.

You can't just copy and paste NinjaScript code into TradingView and expect it to work. The syntax, functions, and structure are completely different.

Additionally, NinjaTrader indicators are compiled files (.dll or .cs files) that run within the NinjaTrader platform. TradingView indicators are scripts that run in your browser through TradingView's interface.

Can You Connect NinjaTrader to TradingView?

There's no official integration between NinjaTrader and TradingView.

You can't connect the two platforms directly to share indicators, strategies, or data in real time. They operate independently.

Some third-party services claim to bridge the gap between platforms, but these typically focus on order execution rather than indicator sharing. For example, you might find tools that let you execute NinjaTrader orders from TradingView charts, but they won't transfer your indicators.

If you want to use both platforms, you'll need to run them separately and manually recreate any tools you need on each platform.

Options for Getting NinjaTrader Indicator Functionality on TradingView

Even though you can't directly transfer indicators, you have several options for getting similar functionality on TradingView.

Option 1: Find Equivalent TradingView Indicators

Many popular indicators are available on both platforms.

If you're using common tools like moving averages, RSI, MACD, Bollinger Bands, or volume indicators, TradingView already has built-in versions. They might have slightly different settings or appearances, but the core functionality is the same.

TradingView also has a massive community library with thousands of free indicators. Search for the type of indicator you're looking for, and chances are someone has already built a TradingView version.

The benefit of this approach is that it's free and immediate. The downside is that you might not find an exact match for specialised or custom NinjaTrader indicators.

Option 2: Convert the Indicator Code

If you have the source code for a NinjaTrader indicator, you can convert it to Pine Script.

This requires programming knowledge in both languages. You'll need to understand what the NinjaScript code is doing, then recreate that logic in Pine Script.

The process involves:

• Understanding the NinjaScript logic. Read through the C# code and identify what calculations it's performing, what data it's using, and what it's plotting on the chart.
• Learning Pine Script. Study TradingView's Pine Script documentation to understand how to perform similar operations in their language.
• Rewriting the code. Translate the logic from C# to Pine Script, adapting for differences in how each language handles data, loops, and chart plotting.
• Testing and debugging. Compare the results on both platforms to ensure the converted indicator produces the same signals and plots.

This isn't a simple copy-paste job. Even experienced programmers need time to properly convert indicators between platforms.

Option 3: Use a Conversion Service

If you don't have programming skills, you can use a professional conversion service.

Some developers and companies specialize in converting indicators and strategies between trading platforms. They handle the technical work of rewriting the code in the target platform's language.

Rize Capital offers a free conversion service for its own source code products. If you've purchased any Rize Capital indicators, strategies, or drawing tools from their source codes collection, they'll convert it to other platforms at no additional cost.

This is particularly valuable if you've invested in premium NinjaTrader tools and want to use them on TradingView without learning to code yourself.

For indicators from other sources, you'll typically need to pay for conversion services unless the original developer offers it.

How Indicator Conversion Works

The conversion process isn't automatic, but here's generally how it works.

• Provide the source code. You need the original NinjaScript (.cs file) for the indicator. Compiled .dll files are much harder to convert because the source code isn't accessible.
• Explain the functionality. Describe what the indicator does, what it plots, and how it should behave. This helps the developer understand the intended result.
• Developer analysis. The programmer reviews the code to understand the logic, calculations, and plotting requirements.
• Pine Script development. The developer rewrites the indicator in Pine Script, adapting the logic to work within TradingView's framework.
• Testing and refinement. The converted indicator is tested to ensure it produces the same results as the original NinjaTrader version. Adjustments are made if needed.
• Delivery. You receive the Pine Script code, which you can then import into TradingView.

Conversion time varies based on complexity. Simple indicators might be converted into hours. Complex indicators with advanced features could take days.

Challenges in Converting NinjaTrader Indicators

Not all indicators convert perfectly. Here are common challenges.

• Feature limitations. Pine Script has some limitations compared to C#. Certain advanced features possible in NinjaTrader might not be replicable in TradingView.
• Data access differences. NinjaTrader and TradingView access market data differently. An indicator that relies on specific data types or timeframes might need workarounds.
• Performance differences. Pine Script has execution limits. Very complex indicators might hit these limits and need optimisation or simplification.
• Visual differences. The way plots appear on charts differs between platforms. An indicator might look slightly different on TradingView even if the calculations are identical.
• Multi-timeframe complications. Indicators that reference multiple timeframes can be tricky to convert because each platform handles multi-timeframe data differently.

A good conversion service will communicate these challenges upfront and find solutions or workarounds.

Converting NinjaTrader Strategies vs Indicators

Strategies are more complex to convert than indicators.

NinjaTrader strategies include order execution logic, money management, and direct broker integration. TradingView strategies are primarily backtesting tools with limited live trading capabilities.

If you want to convert a NinjaTrader automated trading strategy to TradingView, understand that:

• TradingView strategies are mainly for backtesting. They don't automatically execute orders unless you connect to a supported broker through TradingView's broker integration.
• Order management differs. Entry and exit logic needs significant adaptation to work within TradingView's strategy framework.
• Live trading limitations. TradingView's live trading features are more limited than NinjaTrader's. Complex automated strategies might not translate fully.

For serious automated trading, NinjaTrader is generally the better platform. TradingView excels at charting, indicators, and backtesting, but it's not primarily an execution platform.

DIY Conversion: Learning Pine Script

If you want to convert indicators yourself, you'll need to learn Pine Script.

The good news is that Pine Script is simpler than many programming languages. It's designed specifically for trading indicators, so it's more approachable than learning full C#.

• Start with TradingView's documentation. Their Pine Script reference guide explains all the functions, syntax, and concepts you need.
• Study existing indicators. Look at open-source Pine Script indicators in TradingView's community library. See how others structure their code and implement common features.
• Start simple. Don't try converting a complex indicator first. Begin with a basic moving average or RSI variation to understand the basics.
• Use the Pine Script editor. TradingView's built-in editor has helpful features like autocomplete and error highlighting that make coding easier.
• Test frequently. Apply your indicator to charts regularly during development to see if it's working as intended.

Learning Pine Script takes time, but it's a valuable skill if you plan to use TradingView long-term. You'll be able to customise existing indicators and create new ones tailored to your specific needs.

Popular NinjaTrader Indicators and TradingView Alternatives

Here are common NinjaTrader indicators and how to get similar functionality on TradingView.

• Volume Profile. Both platforms have this. TradingView's built-in Volume Profile is excellent and might even be more user-friendly than NinjaTrader's version.
• Order Flow Indicators. TradingView doesn't natively support order flow data as NinjaTrader does. You'll need third-party integrations or alternative approaches.
• Fibonacci Tools. TradingView has comprehensive Fibonacci tools built-in. Most auto-Fibonacci indicators can be replicated in Pine Script.
• Custom Moving Averages. Easy to recreate on TradingView. The platform has built-in MAs, and custom variations are simple to code in Pine Script.
• Market Profile. Available on both platforms. TradingView offers this through both built-in tools and community indicators.
• Pivot Points. TradingView includes standard pivot indicators and has many custom variations in the community library.

For most standard technical analysis, you won't need conversion because TradingView already has what you need.

Using Both Platforms Simultaneously

Some traders use NinjaTrader and TradingView together, leveraging the strengths of each.

• TradingView for charting and analysis. Its interface is cleaner, web-based (accessible anywhere), and has excellent drawing tools and community indicators.
• NinjaTrader for execution and automation. Use it for order placement, automated strategies, and direct broker integration.

This hybrid approach means you're analysing on TradingView but executing on NinjaTrader. You don't need to convert indicators—you just use each platform for what it does best.

The main challenge is switching between platforms and ensuring your analysis on one aligns with your execution on the other.

Cost Considerations

Converting indicators isn't always free.

• Free options: Built-in TradingView indicators, community library indicators, and Rize Capital's free conversion service for their products.
• Paid options: Professional conversion services from developers, which typically charge $50-$300+ per indicator depending on complexity.
• DIY option: Free if you learn Pine Script yourself, but requires time investment to learn the language.

If you're heavily invested in NinjaTrader indicators, conversion costs can add up quickly. Evaluate whether it's worth converting everything or if you can find free alternatives for most of your needs.

Final Thoughts

You can't directly use NinjaTrader indicators on TradingView because they use different programming languages and architectures.

But you have options. Find equivalent TradingView indicators from built-in tools or the community library. Convert custom indicators by rewriting them in Pine Script. Or use a conversion service like the one Rize Capital offers for their products.

For most common technical analysis, TradingView already has what you need built-in. It's the specialised, custom NinjaTrader indicators that require conversion work.

If you're moving from NinjaTrader to TradingView, expect some adjustment time. The platforms have different strengths, and you might need to adapt your workflow.

If you've purchased indicators from Rize Capital's source codes collection, take advantage of their free conversion service to get those tools working on TradingView at no extra cost.

Disclaimer

This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not financial advice, investment advice, or a recommendation to buy or sell any financial instrument. Trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone. The conversion of indicators between platforms may result in differences in functionality, and converted indicators should be thoroughly tested before use in live trading. Rize Capital and the author of this article are not responsible for any trading losses you may incur.